Feline corneal sequestrum is a unique condition causing brown to black plaque formation on the cornea, with significant pain and visual impairment that requires surgical intervention for resolution.
Corneal sequestrum causes chronic pain from the presence of necrotic tissue on the highly innervated corneal surface. Affected cats squint, show epiphora (excessive tearing), paw at the affected eye, and may develop blepharospasm from light sensitivity. The progressive nature of untreated sequestra — with potential for spontaneous sloughing that leaves a deep corneal ulcer — makes proactive surgical management the welfare-positive approach for established lesions. Superficial keratectomy produces dramatic welfare improvement — most cats show immediate reduction in squinting and ocular discharge post-operatively. The welfare case for early surgical referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is strong for all cats with confirmed sequestrum.